Hiring the wrong carpet cleaning company can leave you with disappointing results, hidden charges, and carpets that look worse than when you started. After serving Austin and the Texas Hill Country since 1997, we’ve seen countless homeowners share their horror stories about carpet cleaning companies that never showed up, used bait-and-switch pricing tactics, or left behind sticky residue that attracted dirt faster than ever.
Whether you need to deep clean your home before the holidays, tackle stubborn pet stains, or maintain your carpet’s lifespan, choosing the right carpet cleaning service provider is crucial. The questions you ask upfront can mean the difference between professional results and a costly mistake.
At Harper Carpet Care, we believe in educating customers so they can make informed decisions. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive checklist of important questions to ask any carpet cleaning professional before you hire them.
Essential Questions About Experience & Credentials
“How long have you been in business, and do you have proper certification?”
Experience matters when choosing carpet cleaning companies. Look for businesses that have been serving the same community for years and hold industry certifications from organizations like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC).
What to look for:
- IICRC certification for carpet cleaning and restoration
- Years of continuous operation in your area
- Specific training in carpet cleaning methods and equipment
- Owner involvement in day-to-day operations
Many carpet manufacturers recommend working with IICRC-certified professionals to maintain warranty coverage and ensure proper care of your carpet fibers.
“Can you provide local references and show me your seal of approval from industry organizations?”
A reputable carpet cleaning service should readily provide references from recent customers in your area. Don’t just rely on testimonials on their website—ask for specific references you can contact.
Questions to ask about their reputation:
- Do you have recent customer reviews on Google and other platforms?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos of similar carpet types?
- Are you a member of any professional cleaning organizations?
- Do you have a Better Business Bureau rating?
Questions About Cleaning Methods & Equipment
“What cleaning process do you use, and why is it best for my type of carpet?”
Different carpet types require different cleaning approaches. A professional carpet cleaning technician should be able to explain their cleaning methods and why they’re appropriate for your specific carpet material and condition.
Common cleaning methods include:
- Hot Water Extraction (Steam Cleaning): Most effective for deep cleaning and recommended by many carpet manufacturers
- Dry Cleaning: Faster drying but may not remove deep-set dirt
- Bonnet Cleaning: Surface cleaning only, not recommended for residential use
- Encapsulation: Good for commercial settings but limited residential application
Key question to ask: “Do you use a residue-free rinsing process?” Leftover soapy residue can actually attract dirt faster, making your carpets get dirty again quickly.
“What type of equipment do you use to extract dirt and moisture?”
Professional-grade equipment makes a significant difference in cleaning results. Truck-mounted systems typically provide more powerful suction and better cleaning than portable units.
Equipment questions to ask:
- Do you use truck-mounted or portable equipment?
- How often is your equipment serviced and maintained?
- What’s the suction power of your extraction system?
- Do you have backup equipment in case of breakdowns?
Professional carpet cleaners should use equipment that can effectively extract dirt, allergens, and cleaning solutions from deep within carpet fibers.
Pricing & Service Transparency Questions
“Can you provide a detailed written estimate with no hidden fees?”
Legitimate carpet cleaning companies should provide clear, written estimates that break down exactly what services are included. Be wary of companies that only give verbal quotes or seem vague about pricing.
Your estimate should include:
- Square footage or room count being cleaned
- Specific services included (pre-spray, spot cleaning, etc.)
- Any additional charges for stain removal or protection
- Total cost with no hidden fees
- Timeline for completion
“Are there any additional charges I should know about upfront?”
Unfortunately, some companies use low initial quotes to get in the door, then add numerous charges once they arrive. Protect yourself by asking about potential extra costs upfront.
Common additional charges to ask about:
- Pet stain and odor treatment
- Furniture moving
- Travel time or mileage
- Carpet protection application
- Cleaning supplies or equipment setup
Reputable cleaning companies will be transparent about all potential costs and won’t use bait-and-switch tactics to increase your final bill.
Insurance & Guarantee Inquiries
“Are you fully insured and bonded to protect my property?”
Professional carpet cleaners should carry both liability insurance and bonding to protect your property and belongings. Don’t just take their word for it—ask to see current certificates.
Insurance coverage should include:
- General liability insurance
- Property damage coverage
- Worker’s compensation (if they have employees)
- Bonding for theft protection
“What guarantee do you offer, and what does it cover?”
A confident, professional carpet cleaning company will stand behind their work with a clear satisfaction guarantee. Make sure you understand exactly what’s covered and for how long.
Guarantee questions to clarify:
- How long does the guarantee last?
- What specific issues are covered?
- What’s the process if you’re not satisfied?
- Are there any conditions that void the guarantee?
Scheduling & Service Area Questions
“Do you provide same-day service, and what are your response times?”
Life happens, and sometimes you need carpet cleaning services quickly. Ask about their availability and whether they charge extra for expedited service.
Scheduling considerations:
- How far in advance do you need to book?
- Do you offer weekend or evening appointments?
- What’s your policy for cancellations or rescheduling?
- How do you handle emergency situations like flooding?
“Do you serve my specific area, and are there travel charges?”
Some companies advertise serving a large area but charge significant travel fees for locations outside their primary service zone. Clarify this upfront to avoid surprise charges.
Choose a professional carpet cleaner who regularly serves your area and won’t charge excessive travel fees.
Red Flags to Watch For
Door-to-Door Solicitors
Legitimate carpet cleaning companies don’t typically go door-to-door soliciting business. Be extremely cautious of anyone who shows up unannounced offering cleaning services.
Extremely Low Prices
If a quote seems too good to be true, it probably is. Companies offering unrealistically low prices often make up the difference with hidden charges or provide substandard service.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Professional companies give you time to make decisions. Be wary of high-pressure sales tactics or demands for immediate payment.
No Physical Address or Professional Credentials
Reputable companies have established business locations and proper certification. Be cautious of companies that only provide cell phone numbers or can’t show proper credentials.
Cash-Only Policies
While some legitimate companies prefer cash, be suspicious of companies that refuse to accept checks or credit cards, as this makes it harder to dispute charges if problems arise.
Your Essential Hiring Checklist
Before You Hire, Verify:
Experience & Credentials
- Company has been in business for at least 5 years
- IICRC certification or equivalent credentials shown
- Local references available upon request
- Positive online reviews on multiple platforms
Service Details
- Cleaning methods explained and appropriate for your carpet
- Professional-grade equipment used
- Detailed written estimate provided
- All potential charges disclosed upfront
Protection & Guarantees
- Current insurance and bonding certificates shown
- Clear satisfaction guarantee explained
- Company has established business address
- Multiple payment options accepted
Communication & Professionalism
- Prompt response to initial inquiry
- Professional appearance and demeanor
- Willingness to answer all questions
- No high-pressure sales tactics
Why Choose Harper Carpet Care?
When you’re ready to hire a carpet cleaning professional, Harper Carpet Care checks every box on this essential checklist:
Proven Industry Experience: Serving Austin since 1997 with over 27 years of expertise
IICRC Certified: Owner Harley Harper maintains current industry certifications
Owner-Operated: Personal oversight ensures consistent quality on every job
Transparent Pricing: No bait-and-switch tactics—the quoted price is your final price
Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind our work with a clear service guarantee
Local Reputation: Hundreds of satisfied customers throughout Austin and the Hill Country
Our Six-Step Cleaning Process
- Initial Consultation: We discuss your specific cleaning needs and identify any problem areas
- Furniture Protection: Careful placement of protective blocks under furniture legs
- Pre-Treatment: Application of appropriate cleaning solutions for your carpet type
- Spot Treatment: Targeted attention to stubborn stains and high-traffic areas
- Hot Water Extraction: Deep cleaning with our residue-free rinsing process
- Final Inspection: We review results with you to ensure complete satisfaction
Ready to hire a carpet cleaner with confidence? Use this checklist to evaluate your options, and when you’re ready for Austin’s most trusted carpet cleaning service, contact Harper Carpet Care at (512) 326-1836.
Don’t forget to check out our Google Business Profile to read reviews from your neighbors throughout Austin and the Hill Country.